Grace Notes – Gracious Steps
“A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life],
But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.”
Proverbs 16:9 AMP
Grace Perspective:
It takes purposeful effort to plan the course of our lives. Yet even the best-laid plans often get redirected by the Lord. God gave us minds to think, but leaving Him out of the planning process may lead us to places we don’t want to go. As we organize each day, month, or year, the most critical question is, “Is this for God’s glory or my own?”
When we seek the Lord’s direction through studying Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel, God will direct our steps. He has a plan for each of us; however, do we want to know what it is? Is it taking us closer to God or away from Him? Are we seeking to please the Lord or soak in the world’s fleeting pleasures? As we ask ourselves these questions, remember God is with us each step of the way, and He will use each one to prepare us for His purposes. Though we may plan each step carefully, the best course of action is to trust the Lord, for He knows the plans He has made for each of us.
A Touch of Grace:
What plans are you currently making?
How is God directing your steps?
Grace Application:
Did you ever play Mother-May-I as a child? In this game, players ask the leader or “mother” permission to take different kinds of steps. The leader directs each player on what kind of steps to take – baby or giant steps. The game’s goal is to be the first to reach “mother,” but the catch is the players must ask, “Mother, may I?” before taking a step. If you fail to ask, you must return to the starting line. This was one of my favorite childhood games, and I have sweet memories of warm summer nights playing with friends with fireflies twinkling around us. We’d play until it got too dark to see “mother” and then feast on watermelon to cool off.
As I think about this childhood game, I wonder how it applies to my walk with Christ. There have been seasons in my life where I didn’t stop to ask or even consider if the next step – either a baby one or a giant one – was pleasing to God. I simply took the steps, too often “following my heart,” and ended up in places that led to deep brokenness. Yet, even when the steps took me to places of pain, I look back now and see the Lord was with me. Each step was prepared to draw me closer to Him, even those that landed me in a pit.
God often interrupts our plans to reveal our need for Him. He shows us that even when the path ahead is dark – or makes no sense – He is with us, ready to help us plan the next step. We may have the “perfect” plan laid out, only to have the Lord redirect us. When this happens, and it will – we can trust that God has eternity in mind as He establishes each step we take.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, thankful You direct each step I take. I confess that I often fail to seek You as I make plans. Holy Spirit, help me to seek You as I make plans, asking if this is for Your glory or my own. Lord, help me to trust You more, knowing that You will establish my steps, directing me towards eternity with You. Amen
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**